MEMPHIS, TN - A warning to be alert after a rash of break-ins in Olive Branch, MS and Southeast Shelby County. Crooks are kicking in doors and walking away with thousands of dollars worth of electronics. They're targeting certain places.
These break-ins are happening at apartments inside large apartment complexes. First floor, second floor, it doesn't matter. These are nice complexes where they don't see crime like this often, and police want to put a stop to it.
Major Danny Vasser says the Olive Branch Police Department has been busy.
"There's been a spike in this activity,” Vasser said. “And we'd like to put a stop to it as quickly as possible."
Burglars have been kicking in doors at the Vineyard Apartments on Goodman Rd.
"They’re going in and getting computer components and primarily flat screen TVs," Vasser said.
Just north of the state line in Southeast Shelby County, crooks with the same M.O. have hit five places at the Waterford Place Apartments along Hacks Cross. A house nearby was also hit.
Olive Branch police say they're stepping up patrols, but they want the public's help too.
"Any suspicious activity you see in any area, neighborhoods, apartment complexes and shopping areas,” Vasser said. “Just don't hesitate to call the police right away, so we can get on top of this thing."
The six break-ins in Shelby County happened Monday from early to late afternoon. One person who was home scared one of the burglars into running away. The witness says the two would-be burglars were driving a green late 90s Chevy Suburban with tinted windows.
Police say leaving boxes for new electronics outside for trash pickup makes you an easy target. They say it's a good idea to take flat screen TV boxes straight to the dumpster.
